VCE Humanities

Accounting

Course Description

VCE Accounting explores the financial recording, reporting, analysis and decision-making processes of a sole proprietor small business. Students study both theoretical and practical aspects of accounting. They collect, record, report and analyse financial data, and report, classify, verify and interpret accounting information. Students apply critical thinking skills to a range of business situations to model alternative outcomes and to provide accounting advice to business owners. 

Unit 1 Details

This unit explores the establishment of a business and the role of accounting in the determination of business success or failure. In this, it considers the importance of accounting information to stakeholders. Students analyse, interpret and evaluate the performance of the business using financial and non-financial information. They use these evaluations to make recommendations regarding the suitability of a business as an investment. Students record financial data and prepare reports for service businesses owned by sole proprietors.

Unit 2 Details

In this unit students develop their knowledge of the accounting process for sole proprietors operating a trading business, with a focus on inventory, accounts receivable, accounts payable and non-current assets. Students use manual processes and ICT, to prepare historical and budgeted accounting reports. Students use relevant financial and other information to predict, budget and compare the potential effects of alternative strategies on the performance of the business. Using these evaluations, students develop and suggest to the owner strategies to improve performance.

Unit 3 Details

This unit focuses on financial accounting for a trading business owned by a sole proprietor, and highlights the role of accounting as an information system. Students use the double entry system of recording financial data and prepare reports using the accrual basis of accounting and the perpetual method of inventory recording. They interpret reports and information presented in a variety of formats and suggest strategies to the owner to improve business performance.

Unit 4 Details

In this unit students further develop their understanding of accounting for a trading business owned by a sole proprietor and the role of accounting as an information system. Students use the double entry system of recording financial data, and prepare reports using the accrual basis of accounting and the perpetual method of inventory recording. They analyse and interpret accounting reports and graphical representations to evaluate the performance of a business. 

Additional Information:

Students will need to purchase a non-graphics calculator, which must be brought to every class.

For further information: https://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/curriculum/vce/vce-study-designs/Accounting/Pages/index.aspx 

Australian and Global Politics

Course Description

VCE Australian and Global Politics is the study of contemporary power at national and global levels. Through this study, students explore, explain, analyse and evaluate national and global political issues, and events.  The subject offers students the opportunity to engage with key political, social and economic issues, and to become informed citizens, voters and participants in their local, national and international communities.

Unit 1 Details

In this unit, students are introduced to the key ideas relating to the exercise of political power. They explore how these ideas shape political systems and in particular the characteristics of liberalism. They consider the nature of power in Australian democracy and in a non-democratic political system. They also explore the nature and influence of key political actors in Australia: political parties, interest groups and the media, and investigate how these actors influence the political agenda.

Unit 2 Details

This unit introduces students to the global community and the global actors that are part of this community. In Area of Study 1, students explore the myriad ways lives have been affected by the increased interconnectedness of the world through the process of globalisation. In Area of Study 2, students consider the extent to which global actors cooperate and share visions and goals as part of the global community. They investigate the ability of the global community to manage areas of global cooperation and to respond to issues of global conflict and instability.

Unit 3 Details

In this unit, students investigate the aims, roles and power of key global actors, including states, intergovernmental organisations, non-state actors and transnational corporations.  They develop an understanding of the key actors through an in-depth examination of the concepts of national interests and power as they relate to the state, and the ways in which one Asia-Pacific state uses power to achieve its objectives.

Unit 4 Details 

In this unit, students investigate key global challenges facing the international community in the 21st century. They examine and analyse the debates surrounding two ethical issues that are underpinned by international law. They then evaluate the effectiveness of responses to these issues. Students also explore the context and causes of global crises and consider the varying effectiveness of responses and challenges to resolving them.

For further information: https://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/curriculum/vce/vce-study-designs/ausglobalpolitics/Pages/Index.aspx 

Business Management

Course Description

VCE Business Management examines the ways businesses manage resources to achieve objectives. The VCE Business Management study design follows the process from the first idea for a business concept, to planning and establishing a business, through to the day-to-day management of a business. It also considers changes that need to be made to ensure continued success of a business. Students develop an understanding of the complexity of the challenges facing decision makers in managing these resources. 

Unit 1 Details

Businesses of all sizes are major contributors to the economic and social wellbeing of a nation. Therefore, how businesses are formed and the fostering of conditions under which new business ideas can emerge are vital for a nation’s wellbeing. Taking a business idea and planning how to make it a reality are the cornerstones of economic and social development. In this unit, students explore the factors affecting business ideas and the internal and external environments within which businesses operate, examining the effect of these on planning a business. 

Unit 2 Details

This unit focuses on the establishment phase of a business’s life. Establishing a business involves complying with legal requirements as well as making decisions about how best to establish a system of financial record keeping, staff the business and establish a customer base. In this unit, students examine the legal requirements that must be satisfied to establish a business. They investigate the essential features of effective marketing and consider the best way to meet the needs of the business in terms of staffing and financial record keeping. Students analyse various management practices in this area by applying this knowledge to contemporary business case studies from the past four years. 

Unit 3 Details

In this unit, students explore the key processes and issues concerned with managing a business efficiently and effectively to achieve the business objectives. Students examine the different types of businesses and their respective objectives. They consider corporate culture, management styles, management skills and the relationship between each of these. Students investigate strategies to manage both staff and business operations to meet objectives. 

Unit 4 Details

Businesses are under constant pressure to adapt and change to meet their objectives. In this unit, students consider the importance of reviewing key performance indicators to determine current performance and the strategic management necessary to position a business for the future. Students study a theoretical model to undertake change, and consider a variety of strategies to manage change in the most efficient and effective way to improve business performance. They investigate the importance of leadership in change management. Using a contemporary business case study from the past four years, students evaluate business practice against theory. 

For further information: https://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/curriculum/vce/vce-study-designs/business-management/Pages/Index.aspx 

Economics

Course Description

Economics is the study of how resources are allocated to meet the needs and wants of society. Studying Economics as a social science enables students to gain valuable insight into the economic problems that they may face on an individual basis and collectively as a society to meet the needs and wants of citizens, and may therefore assist them in making more informed and responsible decisions.

Unit 1 Details

In this unit, students explore their role in the economy, how they interact with businesses and the way economic models and theories have been developed to explain the causes and effects of human action. They examine basic economic models where consumers and businesses engage in mutually beneficial transactions. Students examine a simple microeconomic model to explain changes in prices and quantities traded. Through close examination of markets, they gain insight into the factors that may affect the way resources are allocated in an economy and how market power can affect efficiency and living standards. 

Unit 2 Details

Students focus on the possible trade-off between the pursuit of growth in incomes and production and the goal of environmental sustainability and long-term economic prosperity. They investigate the importance of economic growth in terms of raising living standards and evaluate how achievement of this goal might result in degradation of the environment and the loss of key resources. 

Unit 3 Details

Students investigate the role of the market in allocating resources and examine the factors that are likely to affect the price and quantity traded for a range of goods and services. Students consider contemporary issues to explain the need for government intervention in markets and why markets might fail to maximise society’s living standards. 

Unit 4 Details

This unit focuses on the role of aggregate demand policies in stabilising the business cycle to achieve the Australian Government’s domestic macroeconomic goals. Students consider how the Australian Government utilises aggregate supply policies to manage the Australian economy. 

For further information: https://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/curriculum/vce/vce-study-designs/economics/Pages/Index.aspx 

Geography

Course Description

The study of Geography is a structured way of exploring, analysing and understanding the characteristics of places that make up our world. Geographers are interested in key questions concerning places and geographic phenomena. 

Unit 1 Details

In this unit, students undertake an overview of hazards at a range of scales before investigating two contrasting types of hazards and human responses to them. They explore the nature and effectiveness of specific measures such as prediction and warning programs, community preparedness and land use planning, as well as actions taken after hazards become harmful and destructive disasters. Focus hazards may include floods, bushfires, oil spills, coastal hazards and alien animal invasions.

Unit 2 Details

In this unit, students investigate the characteristics of tourism, with particular emphasis on where it has developed, its various forms, how it has changed and continues to change. They analyse the impacts of tourism on people and places, using categories such as environmental, economic and socio-cultural. They select contrasting examples of tourism from within Australia and elsewhere in the world to support their investigations.

Unit 3 Details (not offered 2023)

This unit focuses on two investigations of geographical change: change to land cover and change to land use. 

Students investigate three major processes that are changing land cover in many regions of the world and the distribution and causes of these three processes. The three processes investigated are melting glaciers and ice sheets, deforestation and desertification.

At a local scale, students investigate land use change using appropriate fieldwork techniques and secondary sources. They investigate the scale of change, the reasons for change and the impacts of change. 

Unit 4 Details (not offered 2023)

In this unit, students investigate the geography of human populations. They explore the patterns of population change, movement and distribution, and how governments, organisations and individuals have responded to those changes in different parts of the world.

Population movements such as voluntary and forced movements over long or short terms add further complexity to population structures and to economic, social, political and environmental conditions.

For further information: https://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/curriculum/vce/vce-study-designs/geography/Pages/Index.aspx 

History

Course Description

The study of VCE History assists students to understand themselves, others and their world, and broadens their perspective by examining people, groups, events, ideas and movements. Through studying VCE History, students develop social, political, economic and cultural understanding. They also explore continuity and change: the world is not as it has always been, and it will be subject to change in the future. In this sense, history is relevant to contemporary issues. It fosters an understanding of human agency and informs decision making in the present. 

Modern History (Units 1 & 2 only)

Unit 1 Details

In Unit 1, students explore the nature of political, social and cultural change in the period between the world wars, 1918-1939. World War 1 is regarded by many as marking the beginning of twentieth century history since it represented such a complete departure from the past and heralded changes that were to have an impact for decades to come. The period after World War 1 was characterised by significant social and cultural change in the contrasting decades of the 1920s and 1930s.

Unit 2 Details

In Unit 2, students explore the nature and impact of the Cold War and challenges and changes to existing political, economic and social arrangements in the second half of the twentieth century, 1945-2000. Despite internationalist moves, the second half of the twentieth century was dominated by the competing ideologies of democracy and communism, setting the backdrop for the Cold War. The period also saw challenge and change to the established order in many countries. The second half of the twentieth century also saw the rise of social movements that challenged existing values and traditions, such as the civil rights movement, feminism and environmental movements.

Revolutions (Unit 3 & 4 only)

In Units 3 and 4 Revolutions, students investigate the significant historical causes and consequences of political revolution. Revolutions represent great ruptures in time and are a major turning point that brings about the collapse and destruction of an existing political order, resulting in a pervasive change to society. They are caused by the interplay of ideas, events, individuals and popular movements. Their consequences have a profound effect on the political and social structures of the post-revolutionary society. Via their study, students develop an understanding of the complexity and multiplicity of causes and consequences in the revolutionary narrative. They construct arguments about the past using primary sources as evidence, examine different perspectives, and evaluate historical interpretations. 

In Units 3 and 4 Revolutions, students investigate the significant historical causes and consequences of ‘The Russian Revolution of October 1917’ in Unit 3 and ‘The Chinese Revolution of 1949’ in Unit 4.

For further information on all History subjects: https://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/curriculum/vce/vce-study-designs/history/Pages/Index.aspx 

Legal Studies 

Course Description

VCE Legal Studies examines the institutions and principles which are essential to Australia’s legal system. Through this learning, students are equipped with a range of skills, including the ability to; research and analyse legal information, apply legal reasoning and decision-making skills, and critically think to solve legal problems. 

Unit 1 Details

In this unit, students develop an understanding of legal foundations and an appreciation for the way legal principles are used to determine the outcomes in criminal and civil matters. As part of this, students explore different types and sources of law, the existence and importance of a court hierarchy, and key concepts within criminal and civil cases.

Unit 2 Details

In this unit, students undertake a detailed investigation of two criminal cases and two civil cases from the past four years to form a judgment about the ability of sanctions and remedies to achieve justice. Students also develop their understanding of the way rights are protected and investigate possible reforms to the protection of rights in Australia.

Unit 3 Details

In this unit, students examine the methods and institutions in the justice system and consider their appropriateness in determining criminal cases and resolving civil disputes. Students explore matters such as the rights available to an accused and to victims in the criminal justice system, the roles of the judge, jury, legal practitioners and the parties, and the ability of sanctions and remedies to achieve their purposes. Students investigate the extent to which the principles of justice are upheld in the justice system and discuss recent and recommended reforms to help achieve these. 

Unit 4 Details

In this unit, students explore how the Australian Constitution establishes the law-making powers of the Commonwealth and state parliaments, and protects the Australian people through structures that act as a check on parliament in law-making. Students develop an understanding of the significance of the High Court in protecting and interpreting the Australian Constitution. They investigate parliament and the courts, and the relationship between the two in law-making, and consider the roles of the individual, the media and law reform bodies in influencing law reform.

For further information: https://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/curriculum/vce/vce-study-designs/legalstudies/Pages/Index.aspx 

Philosophy 

Course Description 

This study focuses on students cultivating open-mindedness, reflecting critically on their own thinking and that of others, and exploring alternative approaches to philosophical arguments, concepts and questioning. Students will explore a wide range of visual and written texts to strengthen their ability to problem solve and to think deeply and critically on various topics and issues. Students will also develop their reflective and analytical writing skills, as well as their communication and speaking skills. 

This course aims to investigate human nature through the mind/body debate, questions the multiple aspects that relate to personal identity and critically examines the idea of the good life. Students will learn to think critically and with an open mind, fostering the reflection necessary for deep insights and ethical decision making needed at all levels of society. The course is designed to nurture curiosity, problem solving skills, open-mindedness and intellectual rigour. It involves explicitly developing the habits of clarifying concepts, analysing problems and constructing reasoned and coherent arguments. It encourages students to reflect critically on their own thinking and helps them to develop a sophisticated and intelligible world view. The ability to think philosophically is highly regarded in careers where conceptual analysis, strategic thinking, insightful questions and carefully reasoned arguments are needed. 

Unit 1 

This unit engages students with fundamental philosophical questions through active, guided investigation and critical discussion of two key areas of philosophy: epistemology (how we acquire knowledge) and metaphysics (the study of the nature of the world, reality and existence). Emphasis for this unit is on philosophical inquiry, focusing on practical techniques of logic and reasoning. Students learn to think philosophically, analyse different viewpoints and arguments, both contemporary and historical, to stimulate and enhance their thinking about critical issues. Students also investigate key philosophical concepts and themes relevant in society and our everyday lives. 

Unit 2 

In this unit, students will critically and analytically explore how we develop the foundations of our judgments and values, and how we define morals and ethics in our day-to-day lives, society and globally. Through issues, arguments and investigation, students will explore the concept of ethics, focusing on the realms of morality and aesthetics. Students also explore ways in which viewpoints and arguments in value theory can inform and be informed by contemporary debates and issues in society. 

Unit 3 

This unit considers basic questions regarding the mind and the self through two key questions: Are human beings more than their bodies? Is there a basis for the belief that an individual remains the same person over time? Students critically compare the viewpoints and arguments put forward in set texts from the history of philosophy to their own views on these questions and to contemporary debates.  

Unit 4 

This unit considers the crucial question of what it is for a human to live well. What does an understanding of human nature tell us about what it is to live well? What is the role of happiness in a well lived life? Is morality central to a good life? How does our social context impact on our conception of a good life? In this unit, students will explore texts by both ancient and modern philosophers that have had a significant impact on contemporary western ideas about the good life. Students will critically compare the viewpoints and arguments in set texts from both ancient and modern periods to their own views on how we should live, and use their understandings to inform their analysis of contemporary debates.  

To access further information about VCE Philosophy, please visit the VCAA website for Philosophy: https://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/curriculum/vce/vce-study-designs/philosophy/Pages/Index.aspx